Switching offers - How do I keep track of the account dates and eligibility

monkeyman613

If I've opened accounts but missed the switch offers should I just close the account and wait a few years to the next offer?

How can I tell when my previous accounts were opened/received offers/closed - and which is the date that matters for future eligibilty.

Isthisforreal99

Keep a recotd

flaneurs_lobster

I have a spreadsheet with details of every account I've ever opened which includes the date and amount of any switch incentive paid to open it, and the date it closed.

Different offers have different eligibility rules, date since not had account, date of last inducement paid, never had an inducement ever.

If you've had switch bonuses in the past (I made a couple of £k 3/4 years ago) it's now rare to be qualified for switch offers because of rule tightening.

Some will advocate ignoring the criteria and chancing your arm anyway.

I prefer to think that computers have long memories and it's not worth the hassle of setting up accounts, DDs etc for potentially no reward.

redux

Usually there will be a welcome email. Leave that in the email program and it can be found with a search.

friolento

Your current and closed current accounts are listed in your credit reference files

Closing current accounts is invariably easiest by requesting a CASS switch, even if there is no offer available.

Nasqueron

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82162819#Comment_82162819

I have a sheet too but I would say it's not rare for double dipping to be allowed, look at the recent switch offers, many have a time limited period e.g. no switch since 2023 or whatever.

The current offers MSE reports, depending on your current situation, you could qualify for a second one from HSBC, Lloyds and Nationwide. I did Nationwide in August 2022 and last Halifax one was March 2023. I wouldn't qualify for Barclays, HSBC (as I have a FD account for the regular saver) or NatWest (and a current customer). If it's bumped along a year next year or two, it's possible I will qualify again soon

Barclays - cannot ever have had one

HSBC - not already an HSBC or First Direct customer and not held an account since 1st Jan 2023

First Direct - never had any First Direct product, not opened an HSBC account since 1st Jan 2018

Lloyds / Premier - no previous switch from the Lloyds group since 1st January 2023

Natwest - no previous bonus from their group

Nationwide - no switch bonus since 2021 (though you can qualify if you had a sole account and are now doing joint or vice versa - joint account, neither can have had one)

HSBC Premier - no HSBC or First Direct account since 1st January 2025

friolento

Barclays - cannot ever have had one

Doesn't seem to be entirely correct

PRAISETHESUN

I use my own spreadsheet combined with the T&C's in the below archive thread to help keep track.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6655628/an-archived-list-of-switching-offers

Failing that, look for letters or emails you might have retained, check your credit files for opening/closing dates, or even consider submitting a DSAR to the affected bank(s) to request that information directly.